Catholic Church celebrates Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

The Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15, a liturgical feast honoring the Virgin Mary and her profound connection to the Passion of Jesus Christ. The observance focuses on the ‘Seven Sorrows’ of Mary, which include the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the Temple, the encounter on the Way of the Cross, the crucifixion, the deposition of Christ, and his burial.

Historically, devotion to the Mater Dolorosa has been widespread since the 11th century, with the Servite Order playing a significant role in its expansion. The feast was formally introduced into the Roman calendar by Pope Pius VII in 1814 and was later definitively set to September 15 by Pope Pius X.

In various regions, the day is marked by specific religious activities. In Vietnam, the Dominican Lay Group of the Sacred Heart Parish conducted a pilgrimage to Giang Son to pray and commemorate the event. In Poland, Archbishop Wacław Depo presided over celebrations in Radomsko, which included the consecration of a new bell. The feast serves as a spiritual reminder for the faithful to find strength and compassion through Mary’s example of enduring suffering with faith.